KUALA LUMPUR: Any potential deep state operatives within government ministries should be weeded out immediately, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

"Yes there are (members of the deep state) and that is why I suggested that ministers take action against those who sabotage government policies.

"Action must be taken against them immediately. If left unchecked, they will become parasites and destroy the entire ministerial system," the Kinabatangan MP said when debating the motion of thanks on the Royal Address in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (March 5).

Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) had asked Bung if he believed there were deep state operatives within the civil service.

Earlier, Bung defended the action taken by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing over the recent sudden termination of the services of Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar as Tourism Malaysia director-general.

"If there are non-performing officers, they should be transferred out," he said.

He said that Tiong, as minister, had the right to take action against non-performing officers.

On Feb 22, Ammar received a termination letter signed by Tiong and was reassigned as the ministry's deputy director-general of planning.